The instruction we find in books is like fire. We fetch it from our neighbors, kindle it at home, communicate it to others, and it becomes the property of all.

Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her: but once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game.

Never argue at the dinner table, for the one who is not hungry always gets the best of the argument.

God gave us the gift of life it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.

In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one class of citizens to give to another.

Superstition is to religion what astrology is to astronomy the mad daughter of a wise mother. These daughters have too long dominated the earth.

Nothing can be more contrary to religion and the clergy than reason and common sense.

Love has features which pierce all hearts, he wears a bandage which conceals the faults of those beloved. He has wings, he comes quickly and flies away the same.

I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.

When we hear news, we should always wait for the sacrament of confirmation.

“Reading nurtures the soul, and an enlightened friend brings it solace.”

“He must be very ignorant for he answers every question he is asked.”

“The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us”

The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.

Men are equal it is not birth but virtue that makes the difference.

All sects are different, because they come from men; morality is everywhere the same, because it comes from God.

The ancient Romans built their greatest masterpieces of architecture, their amphitheaters, for wild beasts to fight in.

The progress of rivers to the ocean is not so rapid as that of man to error.

History is nothing but a pack of tricks that we play upon the dead.

He who doesn't have the spirit of his time, has all its misery.

“To learn who rules over you, simply find out who you are not allowed to criticize.”

“It is not improbable that in hot countries, monkeys may have enslaved girls.”

Time, which alone makes the reputation of men, ends by making their defects respectable.

“People will continue to commit atrocities as long as they believe in absurdities.”

“We are at the end of all our troubles, and at the beginning of happiness”

Perfection is attained by slow degrees; she requires the hand of time.